Frequently Asked Questions

For the 2026–27 school year:
Grades 5–8: $30,175
Grades 9–12: $32,375

Tuition includes daily lunch, instructional programs, technology, studio and laboratory fees, graduation fees, and certain athletics participation fees and uniforms.

Nichols offers three tuition payment options:

• Plan A: Pay tuition in full by late June and receive a 1% discount.
• Plan B: Two interest-free payments.
• Plan C: Nine interest-free monthly payments.

Nichols does not offer a sibling discount. However, financial aid is based on each family’s individual financial circumstances, including the costs associated with having multiple students enrolled in tuition-charging schools.

Financial aid is a grant that helps offset the cost of tuition based on your family’s demonstrated financial need. Nichols expects all families to make every reasonable effort to support their child’s education. Approximately 40% of our families receive assistance through our financial aid program.

All awards are based on demonstrated need. We use Clarity, a secure and user-friendly platform, to assess each family's financial profile—including income, expenses, assets, and debt. Clarity provides a recommended contribution amount, and Nichols does its best to meet 80% to 100% of each family’s demonstrated need.

These scholarships are funded by alumni, families, and friends of Nichols to support our financial aid program. Students designated as Named Scholars are selected based on demonstrated need, academic engagement, leadership potential, and/or criteria specific to the individual scholarship. Some Named Scholarships require a separate application. If your child is selected to apply, you will receive instructions from the Admissions Office.

For a full list of available Named Scholarships, click here.

Yes. Nichols awards a limited number of Trustee Scholar Awards to students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and character. If your child qualifies, our Admissions Office will reach out directly.

You can apply online using the Clarity App starting October 1. Returning families must submit their completed Clarity application and tax documents by December 1. New families must apply by December 15. Clarity saves your information from year to year, making the reapplication process faster and easier.

The deadline is also December 15. Some Named Scholarships require a separate application. If your child is selected to apply, you will receive instructions from the Admissions Office.

Admissions and financial aid decisions are mailed together in the third week of January.

Most financial aid awards are made at traditional entry points (grades 5 and 9). While we review all eligible applications, funding for other grades may be limited and placed in a wait pool until funds become available. Returning students are given priority.

All adults contributing to the household are expected to complete the Clarity application and submit supporting documentation. While stepparents or live-in partners are not directly responsible for tuition, their income is considered as part of the household’s financial picture.

If a parent chooses not to work and is not caring for a young child or elderly family member, the Financial Aid Committee may factor in a basic minimum income to reflect potential earning capacity.

Second homes, rental properties, or vacation homes are considered part of your asset profile and will be factored into the need-based formula. In most cases, families with significant real estate holdings may not qualify for aid unless they demonstrate extenuating financial circumstances.

Families must reapply each year through Clarity. If your financial circumstances remain stable, your award amount will likely remain consistent. If there’s a significant change (positive or negative), we will work with you to reassess your need. We also expect families to adjust discretionary spending in tandem with any request for increased support.

Clarity saves your previous application details, making the renewal process quicker each year.